Michigan Department of Natural Resourceshttp://michiganradio.org
enMichigan bats falling victim to white-nose syndromehttp://michiganradio.org/post/michigan-bats-falling-victim-white-nose-syndrome
<p>State wildlife officials are concerned a large bat die-off in Keweenaw County this month might be a sign of things to come.</p><p></p><p>The small brown bats died from<a href="http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/microbes/wns.shtml"> white-nose syndrome.</a>&nbsp;The distinctive white nose is created by a fungal growth that typically kills most of the bats hibernating in an infected cave.</p><p>Fri, 23 Jan 2015 21:14:55 +0000Steve Carmody20695 at http://michiganradio.orgMichigan bats falling victim to white-nose syndromeBill would forbid DNR from preserving biodiversity in forests and parkshttp://michiganradio.org/post/bill-would-forbid-dnr-preserving-biodiversity-forests-and-parks
<p><strong>Update: January 15, 2015:</strong></p><p>Gov. Snyder <a href="http://michiganradio.org/post/gov-snyder-vetos-bill-aimed-eliminating-goal-biodiversity-forest-management">has vetoed the legislation</a>.</p><p><strong>Original post:</strong></p><p>More than 130 scientists and the state’s environmental groups are calling on Gov. Rick Snyder to veto a bill they call anti-science. The bill would forbid the Michigan Department of Natural Resources from protecting native wildlife and plants on the pure merits of protecting nature.</p><ul><li>The bill would prohibit the Department of Natural Resources from managing state lands for biodiversity.</li><li>It would prohibit the agency from managing forests for restoration.</li><li>It would end work to eliminate invasive species.</li><li>It would strike from the law the finding that most losses of biological diversity are the result of human activity.Sun, 21 Dec 2014 20:00:00 +0000Lester Graham20348 at http://michiganradio.orgBill would forbid DNR from preserving biodiversity in forests and parksScientists oppose bill to keep DNR from considering biodiversity http://michiganradio.org/post/scientists-oppose-bill-keep-dnr-considering-biodiversity
<p></p><p>A bill that would forbid the state Department of Natural Resources from considering biodiversity along with other uses of state lands, such as public recreation, or logging rights, is moving swiftly in the state Legislature.</p><p>More than 130 researchers who oppose it hope Gov. Rick Snyder will veto the bill.Wed, 10 Dec 2014 00:03:44 +0000Tracy Samilton20209 at http://michiganradio.orgScientists oppose bill to keep DNR from considering biodiversity State hunting for wolf poachershttp://michiganradio.org/post/state-hunting-wolf-poachers
<p>State wildlife officials are looking for wolf poachers in the Upper Peninsula.</p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Two wolves were killed last month in </span>Mackinac<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> and </span>Schoolcraft<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> counties.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">In one case, a tracking collar on one of the wolves was removed.&nbsp;</span></p><p>Sat, 06 Dec 2014 15:34:00 +0000Steve Carmody20159 at http://michiganradio.orgState hunting for wolf poachersNew photos of cougars in Michigan bring total to 26 sightings since 2008http://michiganradio.org/post/new-photos-cougars-michigan-bring-total-26-sightings-2008
<p>Cougars were wiped out in Michigan more than 100 years ago, but a few of the big cats have been returning.</p><p>The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently confirmed two new cougar sightings in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.</p><p>MDNR officials say the two photographs were taken this fall – one was taken on a camera phone 30 miles south-southeast of Sault Ste. Marie in late October – another was taken with a trail camera on public land near Mackinac County’s Garfield Township.</p>Mon, 10 Nov 2014 16:36:22 +0000Mark Brush19821 at http://michiganradio.orgNew photos of cougars in Michigan bring total to 26 sightings since 2008No genetic evidence of Asian carp found in Kalamazoo River in latest round of testshttp://michiganradio.org/post/no-genetic-evidence-asian-carp-found-kalamazoo-river-latest-round-tests
<p>The most recent round of environmental DNA sampling on the Kalamazoo River showed no evidence of genetic material from Asian carp, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.</p><p>Ed Golder, spokesperson for the department, says this is very good news, "but it doesn't mean that we're going to stop being vigilant about the concern that Asian carp generally, and silver carp and big head carp in particular, pose to the Great Lakes."</p>Mon, 27 Oct 2014 22:08:49 +0000Michigan Radio Newsroom19641 at http://michiganradio.orgNo genetic evidence of Asian carp found in Kalamazoo River in latest round of testsMichigan landowners say they were cheated, energy company disagrees, court to decidehttp://michiganradio.org/post/michigan-landowners-say-they-were-cheated-energy-company-disagrees-court-decide
<p></p><p>This week, a&nbsp;Cheboygan District Court Judge ruled that Chesapeake Energy will go to trial for alleged fraud.</p><p>Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has accused the Oklahoma-based energy company of swindling landowners in northern Michigan.</p><p>Peter Payette is with our partners at Interlochen Public Radio and he has been covering this story.</p><p><strong>How did all of this start?</strong></p><p>Around May of 2010, the state auctioned off the right to drill for oil and gas on public land.</p><p>"And that auction saw prices that were astronomical. The state in one day raised as much money from the sale of oil and gas rights as it had raised in its entire history," Payette says. "And that's because out-of-state companies believed that by using these newer methods of horizontal hydraulic fracturing that they could make a lot of money by drilling deep down in the ground and taking out natural gas."</p><p>These companies went out to private landowners that summer and asked to explore their properties for oil and gas. The landowners signed leases. "And those promised what is called a 'order of payment' and in many cases the landowners did not receive payment and may say they were cheated and are owed money," Payette says.</p><p>Thu, 11 Sep 2014 14:15:43 +0000Rebecca Williams19063 at http://michiganradio.orgMichigan landowners say they were cheated, energy company disagrees, court to decideMichigan parks offer unique view of Perseid meteor showerhttp://michiganradio.org/post/michigan-parks-offer-unique-view-perseid-meteor-shower
<p>Beginning this weekend, state parks are hosting a special weeklong stargazing event.</p><p></p><p></p><p>The annual<a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/perseids.cfm"> Perseid meteor shower </a>will reach its peak during the next few days.</p><p></p><p>Elissa Dennert is with the Department of Natural Resources. She says nearly two dozen state parks will host stargazing events to give people a great view of the heavens.</p><p></p>Sat, 09 Aug 2014 17:19:00 +0000Steve Carmody18671 at http://michiganradio.orgMichigan parks offer unique view of Perseid meteor showerLooking at the results of Michigan's wolf hunthttp://michiganradio.org/post/looking-results-michigans-wolf-hunt
<p>The 45-day wolf hunting season that began November 15 inflamed passions, both pro and con.</p><p>Now that the first-ever wolf hunt is wrapped up, what were the results?</p><p><a href="http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2014/04/michigan_wolf_hunt_from_first-.html">John Barnes explored the impact of the hunt in a recent piece for&nbsp;MLive</a>, which breaks down the ages of the 22 wolves killed over the course of the hunt. He joined us on Stateside today (you can listen to the audio above).</p>Mon, 05 May 2014 20:59:52 +0000Stateside Staff17482 at http://michiganradio.orgLooking at the results of Michigan's wolf huntSome Detroiters complain about how Belle Isle is policedhttp://michiganradio.org/post/some-detroiters-complain-about-how-belle-isle-policed
<p>In the 1920's, Belle Isle was a secret port for smuggling alcohol into the U.S. from Canada. The island was teeming with mobsters on little motor boats who brought liquor over by the jug-full.&nbsp;</p><p>Now that Belle Isle is a state park, alcohol is back to being outlawed, and the place is being patrolled by state police and the Department of Natural Resources.</p><p>Many Detroiters&nbsp;have complained that the police are unfairly targeting drivers on the island.</p><p><a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20140429/NEWS01/304290132/Detroit-City-Council-Belle-Isle">According to Joe Guillen of the Detroit Free Press</a>, since becoming a state park earlier this year there have been about 500 arrests. Among those who were pulled over were Detroit's city clerk, and even the city's mayor Mike Duggan.&nbsp;</p><p>Tue, 29 Apr 2014 21:42:52 +0000Michigan Radio Newsroom17406 at http://michiganradio.orgSome Detroiters complain about how Belle Isle is policed"A sad day" for Michigan bats: White-nose syndrome found in 3 countieshttp://michiganradio.org/post/sad-day-michigan-bats-white-nose-syndrome-found-3-counties
<p></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">A fungal disease that has decimated bat populations in other parts of the U.S. and Canada has been found in Michigan.</span></p><p></p><p>The<a href="http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDNR/bulletins/b052e9">&nbsp;Michigan Department of Natural Resources </a>today confirmed the presence of white-nose syndrome in three counties: Alpena, Dickinson and Mackinac.</p><p></p>Thu, 10 Apr 2014 16:52:34 +0000Steve Carmody17184 at http://michiganradio.org"A sad day" for Michigan bats: White-nose syndrome found in 3 countiesMen busted for trying to 'commercialize' black bear organshttp://michiganradio.org/post/men-busted-trying-commercialize-black-bear-organs
<p>Two Midland men have been charged with trying to deal in black bear organs.</p><p></p><p>The men allegedly approached hunters offering to buy black bears and parts of bears.</p><p></p><p>It’s against the law to buy and sell certain wildlife organs. There’s concern that demand for animal organs for use in traditional medicines may lead to poachers killing bears and other animals out of their normal hunting seasons.</p><p></p><p>Jason Haines supervises special investigations within the Department of Natural Resources. He says this is not a crime they see a lot.</p><p></p>Fri, 07 Mar 2014 17:28:20 +0000Steve Carmody16761 at http://michiganradio.orgMen busted for trying to 'commercialize' black bear organsMichigan hoping to lure in anglers with free fishing weekendhttp://michiganradio.org/post/michigan-hoping-lure-anglers-free-fishing-weekend
<p>This weekend, state wildlife officials want people to go fish.</p><p></p><p>Today and tomorrow, people can fish in Michigan's lakes and streams without a license.</p><p></p><p>The Department of Natural Resources hopes the free fishing weekends will introduce newcomers, visitors and folks with rusty skills to one of Michigan's most popular sports.</p><p></p>Sat, 15 Feb 2014 14:55:00 +0000Michigan Radio Newsroom16464 at http://michiganradio.orgMichigan hoping to lure in anglers with free fishing weekendHarsh winter taking a toll on Michigan wildlifehttp://michiganradio.org/post/harsh-winter-taking-toll-michigan-wildlife
<p>Michigan wildlife is struggling this winter, just like the state’s human population.</p><p>State wildlife officials say the next few weeks will be critical for Michigan deer, pheasants, and other animals.</p><p>As the days grow longer, animals become more active.&nbsp;Their metabolisms pick up and they need to forage for more food.</p><p>But when the snow is several feet deep, and a layer of ice coats normal food sources, finding enough food can be a problem.</p>Fri, 14 Feb 2014 11:12:00 +0000Steve Carmody16439 at http://michiganradio.orgHarsh winter taking a toll on Michigan wildlifeEver consider being a lighthouse keeper?http://michiganradio.org/post/ever-consider-being-lighthouse-keeper
<p>Live the life of a Victorian-era light keeper at <a href="http://www.michigan.org/property/tawas-point-lighthouse/">Tawas Point Lighthouse</a>.</p><p></p><p>That's the lure in an announcement this week that <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-54463_18595_18614---,00.html">the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for 2014.</a></p><p></p><p>Volunteers stay in renovated living quarters in the light house.</p><p></p><p>In return, they pay $250 per week, and lead tours or do maintenance work.</p><p></p>Sat, 01 Feb 2014 21:16:00 +0000Michigan Radio Newsroom16271 at http://michiganradio.orgEver consider being a lighthouse keeper?Detroit's Belle Isle on the cusp of becoming Michigan's newest state parkhttp://michiganradio.org/post/detroits-belle-isle-cusp-becoming-michigans-newest-state-park
<p>As Detroit’s Belle Isle is about to become Michigan’s newest state park, the island’s state park advisory committee met for the first time Thursday.</p><p>That committee is meant to add a measure of transparency to the island’s new governing scheme, members said they would <a href="http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140130/METRO01/301300085/1361/Belle-Isle-advisory-committee-promises-to-earn-Detroiters-trust">work to earn Detroiters' trust.</a></p>Fri, 31 Jan 2014 11:00:00 +0000Sarah Cwiek16257 at http://michiganradio.orgDetroit's Belle Isle on the cusp of becoming Michigan's newest state parkFewer wolves than expected have died so far in Michigan's wolf hunthttp://michiganradio.org/post/fewer-wolves-expected-have-died-so-far-michigans-wolf-hunt
<p>It’s been a month since hunters took to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to hunt wolves.</p><p>So far, the wolves have been doing better than expected.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Since the start of the hunt, only about 20 wolves have been killed. That's less than half of the 43 wolves state wildlife officials set as the goal to be killed in the hunt.&nbsp;&nbsp; The hunt ends December 31st.&nbsp;</p><p>Adam Bump is the Department of Natural Resources’ point man on wolves.&nbsp; He admits he’s not sure why hunters have had more success bagging wolves in some parts of the U.P. than in other parts.</p>Sat, 14 Dec 2013 17:30:00 +0000The Associated Press15692 at http://michiganradio.orgFewer wolves than expected have died so far in Michigan's wolf huntDNR: At least 10 wolves killed in Michigan hunthttp://michiganradio.org/post/dnr-least-10-wolves-killed-michigan-hunt
<p>LANSING, Mich. (AP) - At least 10 wolves have been killed during Michigan's wolf hunt in the Upper Peninsula.<br /><br />The state<a href="http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10370_12145_12205-32569--,00.html"> Department of Natural Resources</a> updated the results Saturday. The wolf season started on Nov. 15 and runs through December, unless 43 are killed before the end of the year.<br />Sat, 23 Nov 2013 21:48:43 +0000The Associated Press15410 at http://michiganradio.orgDNR: At least 10 wolves killed in Michigan huntWolf hunters hoping for more wintry weather in the Upper Peninsulahttp://michiganradio.org/post/wolf-hunters-hoping-more-wintry-weather-upper-peninsula
<p><a href="http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10370_12145_12205-32569--,00.html">Hunters have killed six wolves</a> during the first three days of Michigan’s controversial wolf hunt in the Upper Peninsula.</p><p>Unseasonably warm weather has played a part in the hunt so far.</p><p>Debbie Munson-Badini is a spokeswoman with the Department of Natural Resources.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She says snow in the forecast is good news for most hunters in the Upper Peninsula.</p>Mon, 18 Nov 2013 11:29:00 +0000Steve Carmody15322 at http://michiganradio.orgWolf hunters hoping for more wintry weather in the Upper PeninsulaState and Detroit officials strike tentative deal to lease Belle Islehttp://michiganradio.org/post/state-and-detroit-officials-strike-tentative-deal-lease-belle-isle
<p>The state of Michigan has signed a deal to lease Detroit&rsquo;s Belle Isle.</p><p>Governor Snyder and emergency manager Kevyn Orr have both approved the plan.</p><p>The state won&rsquo;t pay anything for the 30-year deal, which has two 15-year renewal options.</p><p>But the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will run Belle Isle as a state park, saving Detroit an estimated $4 million a year in maintenance costs.</p>Tue, 01 Oct 2013 19:54:06 +0000Sarah Cwiek14674 at http://michiganradio.orgState and Detroit officials strike tentative deal to lease Belle IsleTo prepare for invasive Asian carp, DNR tests its carp-catching skillshttp://michiganradio.org/post/prepare-invasive-asian-carp-dnr-tests-its-carp-catching-skills
<p>This week, the Department of Natural Resources went through a big training drill that’s a first of its kind in Michigan. The drill is supposed to prepare the agency for what to do if the Asian carp makes its way into Michigan’s rivers.</p><p>A dozen boats stamped with the DNR logo line the shores of the St. Joseph River. Some of them are normal fishing boats.</p><p>But a few have these metal poles sticking out about three feet in front of the boat. At the end of each pole are these long pieces of metal cable that hang down in the water.</p><p>The DNR’s Todd Somers is the foreman of one of these homemade boats. He points out a 240-volt generator near the back of the boat. It can deliver up to 16 amps through the metal poles at the front of the boat; sending electric shocks through the cables into the river. That’ll stun any fish nearby.</p><p>Thu, 12 Sep 2013 13:24:01 +0000Lindsey Smith & Rebecca Williams14390 at http://michiganradio.orgTo prepare for invasive Asian carp, DNR tests its carp-catching skillsIn this morning's news: Wolf hunting licenses, helpful utility fee, crackdown on human traffickinghttp://michiganradio.org/post/mornings-news-wolf-hunting-licenses-helpful-utility-fee-crackdown-human-trafficking
<p><strong>Wolf hunting licenses may be delayed</strong></p><p>Michigan <a href="http://www.michiganradio.org/post/strong-demand-wolf-hunting-licenses-michigan-could-delay-sale-date">wolf hunting licenses are expected to go on sale</a> Saturday. But Ed Golder, Michigan's Department of Natural Resources public information officer, says that date may not work out because of high demand. When the wolf hunting licenses do go on sale, the state will sell up to twelve-hundred of them. The hunt is limited to six counties in the Upper Peninsula. Only 43 wolves will be allowed to be killed.</p><p><strong>Energy assistance will help low-income families</strong></p><p>State regulators have approved a 99-cent monthly fee to help low-income Michigan residents pay their energy bills and avoid losing electricity, natural gas, or propane. The charge applies to all customers, starting in September, unless a utility opts out of the program. The Michigan Public Service Commission says only a few so far have declined to participate.</p><p>According to the Associated Press, if a utility opts out of the program, it can't cut off power between November and April 15th. Michigan's largest utilities, DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, plan to participate.</p><p><strong>MI State Police cracking down on human trafficking</strong></p><p>Michigan State Police say 10 teenage girls forced into prostitution have been rescued as part of a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/30/us/fbi-charges-159-men-with-forcing-teenage-girls-into-prostitution.html?_r=0">national crackdown</a>. Detroit Sergeant Ed Price says the girls were removed from motels and other locations last week in Wayne, Genesee, Oakland and Macomb counties. According to the Associated Press, eighteen suspected pimps were arrested, although only one in Flint has been charged so far. The investigation is ongoing.</p><p>Tue, 30 Jul 2013 11:17:39 +0000Michigan Radio Newsroom13749 at http://michiganradio.orgIn this morning's news: Wolf hunting licenses, helpful utility fee, crackdown on human traffickingStrong demand for wolf hunting licenses in Michigan delays sale datehttp://michiganradio.org/post/strong-demand-wolf-hunting-licenses-michigan-delays-sale-date
<p><strong>Update 7/30/13 9:25a.m.</strong></p><p>The DNR announced this morning it will delay wolf hunting license sales until September 28th. The licenses were to go on sale this Saturday, August 3rd.&nbsp;&nbsp;Licenses will be sold on a first come, first serve basis.</p>Mon, 29 Jul 2013 21:55:06 +0000Lindsey Smith13744 at http://michiganradio.orgStrong demand for wolf hunting licenses in Michigan delays sale dateStateside for Monday, July 15th, 2013http://michiganradio.org/post/stateside-monday-july-15th-2013
<p>Democrats in the state House have introduced a package of bills that would add more state regulations to the process of hydraulic fracturing, or ‘fracking.’ We spoke to a co-sponsor of the legislation on today's show.</p><p>And, as the use of meth makes headlines across the state, we talked to one woman about her recovery and what she's doing for other addicts.</p><p>And, it’s going to be a hot week for Michiganders. We took a look at what health concerns are related to the increased temperatures.</p><p>Also, we spoke with Gary Whelan of the State Department of Natural Resources about what is being done to keep the Great Lakes stocked with fish.</p><p>First on the show, t<span style="line-height: 1.5;">he debate over expanding Medicaid in Michigan continues.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Governor Snyder is still pushing for the state Senate to vote on the legislation. It would expand Medicaid to hundreds of thousands of low-income adults in the state. The state House has already approved it.</span></p><p>Over the weekend, Mark Schauer waded into the debate.</p><p>Schauer – a Democrat – is running for Governor in 2014. He said on Saturday that he does not understand why Governor Snyder is not calling the Legislature into a special session.</p><p>Rick Pluta and Zoe Clark, Michigan Radio’s “It’s Just Politics” team, joined us today to answer Mark Shauer’s question.</p><p>Mon, 15 Jul 2013 21:17:23 +0000Stateside Staff13543 at http://michiganradio.orgStateside for Monday, July 15th, 2013Lilly the deer can stay in her Genesee County homehttp://michiganradio.org/post/lilly-deer-can-stay-her-genesee-county-home
<p>State wildlife officials have agreed to let a Genesee County family keep its pet deer.</p><p></p><p>Lilly the deer was born shortly after her mother was struck and killed in an auto accident. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p></p><p>A family took the animal in and for the past five years has raised it as a pet.&nbsp; Lilly has the run of the house and the fenced-in yard.</p><p></p><p>But it’s against the law in Michigan to keep a deer as a pet. After receiving a complaint, the Department of Natural Resources tried to remove Lilly from the home.</p><p></p>Mon, 24 Jun 2013 20:13:57 +0000Steve Carmody13220 at http://michiganradio.orgLilly the deer can stay in her Genesee County homeIn this morning's news: protecting Michigan forests, new farmer's market, visit from Hillary Clintonhttp://michiganradio.org/post/mornings-news-protecting-michigan-forests-new-farmers-market-visit-hillary-clinton
<p><strong>DNR protects Michigan forests</strong></p><p>The state Department of Natural Resources says about 750 acres in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula will be protected, available for public use, and managed as a working forest. The recent announcement of a $1 million Forest Legacy Program grant for the effort is expected to help protect nearly three-quarters of a mile of Thumb Lake frontage. The 750 acres in Charlevoix County will remain in private ownership, the Associated Press <a href="http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130617/METRO06/306170050#ixzz2WTMGIRvl">reports.</a></p><p><strong>Tire dump transforms into farmer's market</strong></p><p>A site once used as a tire dump is now a farmer's market following years of work by a community, the state, and federal officials. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development provided a $40,000 grant and a $60,000 loan to help finance the project in Mecosta County. The state of Michigan helped cover the cost of tire disposal as well as a trail, fishing pier and other recreational improvements, the Associated Press <a href="http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130617/METRO06/306170049#ixzz2WTOSE9X1">reports</a>.</p><p><strong>Hillary Clinton comes to west Michigan</strong></p><p>Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is set to speak to business leaders in western Michigan today. Clinton is the guest of honor at the Economic Club of Grand Rapids' 26th annual dinner. <a href="http://www.readyforhillary.com/">Ready for Hillary,</a> a self-described national grassroots group, is organizing a rally outside the event. The group hopes to encourage Clinton to run for president in 2016, the Detroit Free Press <a href="http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/06/hillary_2016_supporters_plan_r.html#incart_river">reports</a>.</p><p>Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:12:53 +0000Michigan Radio Newsroom13075 at http://michiganradio.orgIn this morning's news: protecting Michigan forests, new farmer's market, visit from Hillary ClintonState officials to recommend a wolf hunt in the Upper Peninsulahttp://michiganradio.org/post/state-officials-recommend-wolf-hunt-upper-peninsula
<p>State wildlife officials plan to recommend Thursday that Michigan hold a wolf hunt this Fall in the U.P.</p><p></p><p>Gray wolves in Michigan were until recently listed as an endangered species. There are about 700 wolves in Michigan. Farmers say the growing wolf population is a threat to livestock.</p><p></p><p>The Michigan Natural Resources Commission will receive a recommendation to kill 47 wolves, as part of a hunt, focused in three parts of the Upper Peninsula. The commission may vote next month to set the dates for a wolf hunt.</p><p></p>Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:44:46 +0000Steve Carmody12082 at http://michiganradio.orgState officials to recommend a wolf hunt in the Upper PeninsulaMichigan DNR's ability to manage for biodiversity could be at riskhttp://michiganradio.org/post/michigan-dnrs-ability-manage-biodiversity-could-be-risk
<p>The state Senate passed a controversial bill this week.</p><p><a href="http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2013-2014/billanalysis/Senate/pdf/2013-SFA-0078-F.pdf">Senate Bill 78</a> would prohibit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources from setting aside an area of land specifically to maintain biological diversity. Basically, that means protecting the variety of plants and animals that live in an area.</p><p>Senator Tom Casperson sponsored the bill. He <a href="http://www.michiganradio.org/post/bill-aims-restrict-states-ability-manage-biodiversity">has argued</a> that the DNR has too much authority to set aside land.</p><p>Here's what the bill would do (excerpted from the Senate Fiscal Agency <a href="http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2013-2014/billanalysis/Senate/pdf/2013-SFA-0078-F.pdf">floor summary</a>):</p><blockquote><p>--Prohibit the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Natural Resources Commission from promulgating or enforcing a rule or an order that designates or classifies an area of land specifically for the purpose of achieving or maintaining biological diversity.<br>-- Delete the conservation of biological diversity from the DNR's duties regarding forest management, and require the Department to balance its forest management activities with economic values.<br>-- Eliminate a requirement that the DNR manage forests in a manner that promotes restoration.<br>-- Provide that a State department or agency would not have to designate or classify an area of land specifically for the purpose of achieving or maintaining biological diversity.<br>-- Delete a legislative finding that most losses of biological diversity are the result of human activity.</p></blockquote><p>Critics of the bill say it could tie the DNR’s hands.Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:54:51 +0000Rebecca Williams11571 at http://michiganradio.orgMichigan DNR's ability to manage for biodiversity could be at riskWhat's happening this morning? Detroit's response, anti-biodiversity bill, & Lansing casino stallshttp://michiganradio.org/post/whats-happening-morning-detroits-response-anti-biodiversity-bill-lansing-casino-stalls
<p><strong>Detroit Council working on plan to counter emergency manager</strong></p><p>The council will meet this morning. <a href="http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130306/METRO01/303060347#ixzz2MlK92dIo">The Detroit News</a> reports they want to hear more from Mayor Dave Bing:</p><blockquote><p style="line-height: 16px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">The full panel plans to meet at 9 a.m. today to study its options for appealing Gov. Rick Snyder's determination that the city is in a financial emergency, paving the way for an emergency manager.</p><p style="line-height: 16px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Council members have asked Bing to come to the table and said they may vote on a response to the governor by Thursday. The city has until Monday to appeal.</p></blockquote><p><strong>Bill aimed at stripping DNRs power to manage for biodiversity clears Senate</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">Senator Tom Casperson-R (Escanaba) has a victory. His bill,&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2013-2014/billintroduced/Senate/pdf/2013-SIB-0078.pdf" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(12, 76, 162); font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 22px;">Senate Bill 78</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">, would keep the Michigan Department of natural resources from setting aside land for the purpose of maintaining biological diversity. The Senate passed that bill along a party line vote. 26 Republicans for, 11 Democrats against. You can read more about this legislation from <a href="http://www.michiganradio.org/post/bill-aims-restrict-states-ability-manage-biodiversity">Michigan Radio's Rebecca Williams</a>.</span></p><p><strong style="line-height: 1.5;">Lansing casino project loses court decision</strong></p><p>A federal judge has issued an injunction last night against the tribe that wants to build the casino - the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.</p><p><a href="http://michiganradio.org/post/craps-lansing-casino-project-jeopardy">Michigan Radio's Steve Carmody</a>&nbsp;has been following this story:</p><blockquote><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker granted the state's motion for an injunction pending resolution of the Attorney General's lawsuit. The judge says the tribe cannot apply to the federal government "to have the … property taken into trust unless and until it obtains a written revenue sharing agreement with the other federally-recognized Indian Tribes in Michigan."</span></p></blockquote><p>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:39:27 +0000Mark Brush11546 at http://michiganradio.orgWhat's happening this morning? Detroit's response, anti-biodiversity bill, & Lansing casino stallsStateside: How to resist Netflix and get outside this winterhttp://michiganradio.org/post/stateside-how-resist-netflix-and-get-outside-winter
<p>Frida Waara is an instructor in the upcoming Becoming an Outdoors Woman event this weekend in the Upper Peninsula's Big Bay, sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources.</p><p>The event will help women - even the most devoted Netflixers - develop skills that encourage and maintain an active lifestyle during a Michigan winter.</p><p>So, how does Waara get women to be active outdoors when the weather drops below zero?</p><p>Michigan Radio's Cynthia Canty spoke with Waara about the program and the importance for women to be active year round.</p><p>Thu, 21 Feb 2013 22:07:55 +0000Stateside Staff11375 at http://michiganradio.orgStateside: How to resist Netflix and get outside this winter